Major rail construction in Aarschot: replacement buses and adjusted train service 

AARSCHOT – Anyone traveling by train to or from Aarschot in the coming weeks should be aware of a revised schedule. Infrabel is currently carrying out major renovation work on the rail infrastructure on the Diest side. The work will continue through Sunday, September 20.

The scope of the work is extensive. Among other things, Infrabel is replacing 13 turnouts, approximately 1.5 kilometers of track—including ties and ballast—and 800 meters of rails.

The overhead lines will also undergo a thorough overhaul. There will be 14 new overhead wire poles and nearly 8 kilometers of new overhead wire. In addition, sections of the existing overhead wire system will be replaced over a distance of approximately 3 kilometers.

The signaling system is also getting a major upgrade. For this, nearly 15 kilometers of new cabling will be installed.

Work trains and rail cranes

On average, about 30 employees are working on the construction site. The work involves the use of, among other things, work trains, rail cranes, and aerial work platforms.

Work is currently underway in the area around the platforms. The track bundle next to the platform tracks had already been addressed earlier.

According to Infrabel, the renovation work should contribute to a safer and more punctual rail infrastructure. The rail line through Aarschot is important for both passenger and freight trains.

Replacement buses between Aarschot and surrounding stations

Due to the construction work, train schedules have been adjusted at various times.

On weekdays there are no trains running between:

• Aarschot and Langdorp

• Aarschot and Begijnendijk

SNCB is operating replacement buses on these routes.

In addition, several trains will be rerouted or canceled. As a result, train service will be affected on routes to, among others, Antwerp, Leuven, Hasselt, Tongeren, and Brussels.

Weekends are also affected

On weekends, the impact is even greater.

On September 12 and 13 there will be no trains running between Heist-op-den-Berg and Leuven and between Begijnendijk and Leuven.

During the last work weekend, on September 19 and 20, train service will be suspended between Heist-op-den-Berg and Aarschot and between Begijnendijk and Aarschot.

SNCB will also provide replacement buses during these disruptions.

Check your itinerary before departure

Anyone traveling through Aarschot, Begijnendijk, or Langdorp in the coming weeks would be wise to check the NMBS trip planner in advance. The schedule has been temporarily adjusted due to construction work.

All rail construction work must be completed by September 20 .

TrainNews will continue to monitor the work and its impact on train service.

Photos: Infrabel